Those who took home trophies in both the retail and product categories at last month’s Excellence in Housewares Awards have been celebrating their achievements.
Justin Kowbel, founder of Borough Kitchen, which took home two retail awards, commented: “We always look forward to that evening – but there was an added great energy there this year. We had a great evening. And of course – thank you. We are so flattered and honoured by the awards.
“They recognise two areas that we really put a lot of attention and effort into. A Pasta Journey was such a combined team effort from everyone across marketing, stores, online, warehouse, inventory, etc. So there were a lot of smiles and a deep sense of pride the next morning when we shared it with the team on our weekly call.”
Lakeland also scooped two awards on the night. Commenting on the Excellence in Retail Display Award, Philippa Simons, head of buying, said: “We are delighted to receive this award, as recognition of the time and energy we spend in finding different and innovative ways to present products and ranges to our customers. We continue to stretch ourselves in this space and look forward to customers seeing our new and exciting plans for 2024.”
And commenting on the Retail Employee of the Year Award for Malcolm King, Philippa said: “Malcolm has worked for Lakeland in Windermere for 50 years, and has over that time proven his weight in gold in everything that he does – as well as seeing and adapting to huge change in our business along the way. This award is testimony to his dedication both to Customer Service and to Lakeland; we are thrilled that he has been recognised in this way and feel very proud indeed of his achievement.”
Jenny Dahlman, managing director of Auteur, told housewaresnews,net: “We are beyond thrilled to have received the Licensing Award for the Corkcicle Star Wars range. Corkcicle has designed a beautiful range of drinkware celebrating the incredible legacy of Star Wars and this award is fantastic recognition for our team at Auteur and the iconic Corkcicle brand.”
Katie Cryer, national account manager at Robert Welch Designs, winner of the Cutting Edge Award, said: “To say we were shocked, given the stiff competition we were up against would be an understatement. We’d teased each other during the evening, with quips about the quickest way to get to the stage to collect our award, as obviously there was no way that was going to happen.
“We are delighted that our Signature knife range has won previously, so it’s amazing for our new Professional range to win so soon after its launch just a few months ago. We’re so incredibly proud of the Robert Welch brand, the whole team, and the new Professional Knife range, and would wholeheartedly like to thank everyone who voted for us.”
